Key Figures

Contract Value

$1.8M+

Building Size

59 Stories/1.6M SF

Scope

Project Planning, 3D Modeling & Reconstruction of Chiller Plant

Mobilized Expertise

Chiller Replacement

Steam turbine chillers from the 1970s were replaced with new variable frequency drive electric chiller drive- lines. The reconstructed chiller plant dramatically improved building energy performance and carbon emissions intensity. The project raised the building’s ENERGY STAR score 16 points year-over-year and has reduced the building’s carbon emissions intensity by 28%*

Introduction

A Real Estate Company Committed to Sustainable Development & Responsible Growth

Boston Properties is the largest publicly traded developer, owner and manager of Class A office properties in the United States. Across New York City, their portfolio of buildings includes 26 properties and over 11M SF.

Committed to sustainable development and responsible growth, BPX was looking to execute their sustainability strategy across their 5 regions which included their property at 601 Lexington Avenue.

Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, 601 Lexington Ave is one of their premier office properties consisting of 1.6m SF and 59 stories. The building’s existing steam turbine chillers had served beyond its useful life and needed to be replaced.

Customer Challenges

Replacement of 40+ Year Old Steam Turbine Chillers

After consideration of all the factors, the BPX opted to replace their existing chillers from the 1970s with new variable frequency drive electric chiller drive-lines.

Electric chillers offer several key benefits such as higher COP (Coefficient of Performance), lower equipment purchase cost, a 50% savings in required floorspace, shorter installation time, and overall reduced energy consumption for added cost savings.

Seamless Project Planning & Logistics

Donnelly handled the project planning, 3D modelling, and management. The existing steam turbine chillers on the 13th floor were removed through the buildings’ curtain wall and two new eclectic chillers with a total cooling capacity of 3000 tons were hoisted via crane.

New critical electric equipment was installed to power the new chillers while (3) new Liebert split system units were installed to cool critical electrical equipment on the 61st and 63rd floors.

Having provided accurate estimates, Donnelly completed the project on-time and within budget. Donnelly’s Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities facilitated detailed 3D modelling to ensure successful project planning and logistics.

Donnelly’s expert project management and attention to safety kept workers and equipment safe throughout this challenging installation project.

Results

The reconstructed chiller plant dramatically improved building energy performance and carbon emissions intensity. The project raised the building’s ENERGY STAR score 16 points year-over-year and has reduced the building’s carbon emissions intensity by 28%*.

*BXP 2017 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

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